Kanye West's Yeezy Boost Wins Shoe of the Year Award

The creative genius was given the honor at the Footwear News Achievement Awards in New York.

If the waitlists, eBay resales and financing options for Kanye West's Yeezy Boosts didn't already indicate their massive popularity among sneakerheads and celebs alike, then his new "Shoe of the Year" award confirms it. The designer was presented with the honor at the Footwear News Achievement Awards in New York on Wednesday evening.

As expected, West spoke at length during his acceptance speech, which Fashionista transcribed in full. He thanked Giuseppe Zanotti and the folks at Fendi and Louis Vuitton for helping him grow as a designer, as well as going on (and on) about his passion for creating only amazing pieces.

"Do you guys remember when I got into it with Jimmy Kimmel? Because he was mocking on my things when I was talking about how much I like product? I was really serious about that, I am not turning into a nice guy about that. I care about product," said Kim Kardashian's other half. "I'm dead serious [about] what I create as an artist in this lifetime while I'm here. [...] It's about appreciating excellence, understanding and being involved in bringing joy."

The Yeezy Boost 750 was first unveiled by West and Adidas in February, retailing for $350. In June, the second Yeezy Boost sneaker was available for $210. That is, if you were even lucky enough to score a pair at the time of its release.